The renovation of existing buildings is crucial in the fight against global warming, but the growth in this sector may not be fast enough to help the European Union achieve its climate goals. The EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and buildings are a significant focus. The European Climate Neutrality Observatory (ECNO) warns that progress in the built environment is "far too slow." To meet EU Renovation Wave targets, annual greenhouse gas emissions reduction in buildings needs to be 7.5 times faster by 2030.
One reason for slow progress is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable or electric heating, which has been slow. Regulatory changes, such as amendments to the 2010 Energy Performance for Buildings Directive, are expected to accelerate growth in the sector. This includes a new comprehensive 'passport' assessment of a building's environmental performance and requirements for all new buildings to produce zero emissions by 2028.
